Name: Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (16.3 ounces each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough, cut into quarters; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups pizza sauce or thick marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sliced pepperoni; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

If you love the idea of pizza night but secretly wish it required less effort and fewer dishes, this Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole is about to become your new best friend. Fluffy biscuits “bubble up” through a rich, meaty pizza sauce and gooey cheese, so every bite tastes like a cross between a deep-dish pizza and a cozy casserole.

It’s the kind of back-pocket bake you can throw together with refrigerated biscuit dough, jarred sauce, and whatever pizza toppings you already have in the fridge. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you want something warm and cheesy that feeds the whole table with almost no fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole

This casserole gives you all the flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza without dealing with yeast, dough rising, or stretching anything into a perfect circle. The refrigerated biscuits do all the work for you, puffing up in the oven and soaking in that savory sauce.

It’s also endlessly flexible. Swap the meat, change up the cheese, or sneak in extra veggies—this bake is forgiving and very family-friendly. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for easy lunches or another quick dinner later in the week.

What Kind of Biscuits Work Best for Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole?

Refrigerated canned biscuit dough is the secret shortcut here. Buttermilk-style or homestyle biscuits work best because they bake up fluffy and tender while still holding their structure in the saucy casserole.

Avoid the flaky-layer style biscuits for this recipe if you can. They tend to separate into layers and can sometimes feel a little too buttery-rich once they’ve soaked up the sauce and cheese. If flaky biscuits are what you have on hand, they’ll still work—just be sure to cut them into slightly smaller pieces so they cook through evenly.

Ingredients for the Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole

Before you start cooking, it helps to know what each ingredient is bringing to the party. This way, you’ll know what can be swapped and what really makes the casserole work.

Refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough – The base of the casserole; the biscuits puff and “bubble up” through the sauce, giving you pillowy, pizza-flavored bites.
Lean ground beef – Adds hearty, savory flavor and turns this into a full, stand-alone meal.
Yellow onion – Brings sweetness and depth as it softens and cooks with the beef.
Green bell pepper – Adds color and a classic pizzeria-style crunch and flavor.
Garlic – A must for bold, cozy pizza flavor in every bite.
Italian seasoning – Layers in herby notes that make the whole dish taste like your favorite slice.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but they add a gentle heat if you like a little spice.
Pizza sauce or thick marinara sauce – Coats the biscuits and meat so the casserole bakes up saucy and flavorful.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into that classic stretchy, cheesy pizza topping.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a sharper, richer cheese flavor that complements the mozzarella.
Sliced pepperoni – Brings the salty, smoky punch that makes this feel like true pizza in casserole form.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory finish and extra golden color.
Fresh parsley – A pop of freshness and color to finish the bake right before serving.

How To Make the Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole

This casserole comes together in a few simple steps: brown the meat, stir everything together with the biscuit pieces, pile it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so the biscuits don’t stick and the edges get nicely caramelized.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if needed.

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and start to smell sweet.

Step 3: Season and Sauce the Mixture

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.

Pour in the pizza sauce or marinara and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat. You want the sauce hot but not boiling when it meets the biscuit dough.

Step 4: Cut and Coat the Biscuits

Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Place all the biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl.

Pour the warm meat and sauce mixture over the biscuit pieces. Add about half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until the biscuits are evenly coated, trying not to mash the dough.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the biscuit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer so the biscuits can puff up evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top. Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese, then finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the biscuits have risen, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the top is nicely golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly before the center looks done, you can tent the pan loosely with foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This short rest helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop clean portions.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving, then dig in while it’s warm and melty.

How to Serve Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole

This Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole is rich, cheesy, and filling, so a little goes a long way. Baked in a 9×13-inch dish, it typically serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on how big you slice it and what you serve alongside.

Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of steamed broccoli to balance the richness. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks turn it into a full “pizza night” spread, and a side of ranch or marinara for dipping is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Leftovers are fantastic for quick lunches or even a grab-and-go savory breakfast—just reheat a square and enjoy it with a fried egg on top if you want to lean into the brunch vibes.

How to Store Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole

Let any leftover casserole cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer slices to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

In the refrigerator, the casserole will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions in a 325°F (165°C) oven, loosely covered with foil, until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat from frozen in a low oven, adding a bit of extra time.

If the top looks a little dry after reheating, a small sprinkle of extra cheese and a drizzle of olive oil before reheating can help bring back that fresh-from-the-oven look and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Italian sausage (mild or hot), ground turkey, or even ground chicken all work beautifully in this casserole. If you use a leaner meat like turkey or chicken, make sure not to overcook it so it stays juicy. You can also mix half sausage and half beef for extra flavor.

Do I have to cook the meat before baking the casserole?

Yes, the meat needs to be fully cooked in the skillet before it goes into the casserole. The oven time is mainly to bake the biscuits and melt the cheese, not to cook raw meat from start to finish.

How do I keep the biscuits from getting soggy?

Cutting the biscuits into quarters and tossing them well with the sauce and meat mixture helps them cook through evenly. Make sure your sauce is thick rather than watery, and bake until you see the biscuits puffed and lightly browned on top. Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking also helps the texture set.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

You can prep the meat-and-sauce mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, cut the biscuits, toss them with the reheated sauce mixture and cheese, assemble, and bake right away. It’s best not to let raw biscuit dough sit in sauce for too long in the fridge, as it can lose some of its rise.

What are some topping variations I can try?

Think of this as your pizza playground. Add sliced olives, mushrooms, cooked bacon, diced ham, or even a handful of baby spinach to the meat mixture. You can swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage crumbles, or skip the meat entirely and load it up with veggies for a meatless option.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy bakes too:

Amish Sunday Savior Casserole for a hearty, make-ahead breakfast or brunch bake.
Runza Casserole if you’re craving seasoned beef, cabbage, and cheese tucked into a comforting casserole.
Butternut Squash Casserole when you want a slightly sweet, veggie-forward side that still feels indulgent.
Broccoli Casserole Delight for a cheesy veggie bake that pairs with just about any protein.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this casserole to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time you need an easy, family-friendly meal.

And when you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic with pepperoni, or load it up with extra veggies and different cheeses? Did your family go back for seconds?

Share your tweaks and questions—I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. For even more weeknight casseroles, quick breakfasts, and fun pizza-inspired food, you can follow along on Pinterest at Life With Mira.

Bubble Up Biscuit Pizza Casserole